Are you looking to enter new international markets? Unsure who to turn to for help with translating your online store? Do you want to ensure that the unique features of your products are clearly understood by consumers in another country to boost your sales? In this article, we provide valuable insights on how to choose the right service provider and whether to opt for just translation or full localization of your e-commerce website content.
In our fast-paced and rapidly evolving daily lives, the internet holds a leading role. It is with us everywhere, all the time. With a simple smartphone in hand, we read, write, work, learn, create, communicate, take photos, buy, and sell.
The internet has transformed and continues to shape our way of life. The global network has made it possible to access products and services that were unavailable in our region for many years. Today, we can buy and sell across the globe.
Please note
Following the global spread of COVID-19, research on e-commerce has shown a significant increase in turnover. This global trend has accelerated our journey into the future and has reshaped the way many companies approach the development of their online businesses. While the purchasing process has become simpler, there are still certain barriers that hinder mutual buying and exchange between domestic and global markets.
To be more accessible for online orders from anywhere in the world, every e-commerce business needs at least two language versions of its website. This creates a demand for professional translation services for online stores or websites, such as product catalogs.
A high-quality translation, even into just one additional language, different from the original, is undeniably essential.
E-commerce website translation
People involved in e-commerce often believe that translating their online store into English is sufficient for international customers. The answer to the question «Should I translate my website into English?» is clear. It’s an absolute must for expanding into new markets!
The right question
«Into how many or which other languages should I translate my online store?».
Statistics show that content in English only reaches 36.5% of your potential customers worldwide. Translating your product descriptions into 11 languages can attract 88% of all internet users. However, you don’t need to translate your online store’s content into that many languages. English, Chinese, Japanese, and Hindi are enough to cover 50% of users globally.
Nearly half of Europeans (42.5%) admit that they do not purchase goods or services if they cannot read about them in their native language. Translating the content of your online store will help you attract new customers.
Before investing in translation, consider the key market factors:
- Market Research – determine where you want to sell;
- Logistics Planning – plan how you will deliver your products;
- Predictive Planning – forecast an increase in online sales.
Important
Consider the cost of translation an investment in the growth of your e-commerce business. Experience shows that these investments pay off quickly.
Translation or localization?
Translating descriptions of your products or services is crucial for your customers. However, translation for e-commerce is more than just translation—it’s a process. To achieve optimal results, combining translation with localization is your key to success.
Localization and translation of online store content must always go hand in hand. Localization is not just a straightforward translation; it involves adapting the content to align with the cultural nuances of the target market. This approach shows respect for your customers and demonstrates your commitment to offering them the best on the market.
This process includes currency conversion, measurement units adaptation, and ensuring a seamless shopping experience for your customers.
E-commerce and SEO
Another crucial aspect in the e-commerce industry is SEO optimization, which involves adapting your website to improve its rankings in search engine results.
If you have a mobile app, it also needs to be translated and optimized.
Key considerations
If you haven’t yet considered translating your descriptions with keywords that align with the requirements of various search engines, now is the time to do so.
Choosing a translator for e-commerce content
Translating product descriptions for online stores, marketing content, contact information, regulatory documents, and other legal paperwork requires a translator with linguistic expertise and specific knowledge in the relevant field.
This might involve assigning different types of texts to multiple translators who specialize in various areas.
Additionally, if you are selling products through international shipping, you will also need translations for labels and bills of lading. Translating such documentation demands familiarity with specialized terminology.
To achieve a perfectly translated and localized online store, you’ll need a reliable and secure partner. In this case, collaborating with our translation bureau, which has successfully handled numerous similar projects, is the best solution.





